Lives of the First World War

known 22nd August 1917

F46 Fay - 2nd Lieut G.H.Brooks - Proceeded at ZERO and finding infantry held up in shell holes, advanced in front of the infantry under heavy M.G fire. - The tank was in action at once and one A.P bullet penetrated the driver's flap, but did not hit any of the crew. The infantry failing to advance, Capt Arnold (section commander) ordered the tank to return to the infantry. Fire was kept up and when level with the infantry the tank became ditched. The tank could not be unditched owing to heavy fire. The undamaged guns were removed, and the officers and crew crawled in the direction taken by the infantry, who had retired in the meantime. The enemy overtook the officers and crew and 2/Lt Brooks was spoken to by a German, and waved back to the enemy lines. - He got into a shell hole where he remained till dark, and came into our lines. Both officers and 2 of the crew were wounded, and one killed. Position of the tank believed to be about 28.D.13.c, in enemy's lines.

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